Spending Ticks Up 0.3% and Wages Rise 0.1% as Economy Gains Steam

WASHINGTON—U.S. consumer spending and wages rose modestly in October, a sign of Americans' improving confidence that could boost their holiday shopping.

Personal spending, a broad measure of the goods and services purchased by consumers, rose 0.3% in October from a month earlier, the Commerce Department said Friday. Spending was up 2.1% from a year ago when adjusted for inflation. The report also showed wages and salaries increased by...